[Exclusive] "Overseas Travelers Now Only Need to Take Rapid Antigen Tests"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Hyun-seok] Rapid antigen tests will be accepted instead of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test certificates when overseas travelers enter the country.

According to the industry on the 11th, the government is considering replacing the PCR test that overseas travelers must submit with a rapid antigen test.

A Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport official explained, "I understand that it is currently being reviewed to change (PCR tests to rapid antigen tests)," and added, "The working-level staff have reviewed it positively, and only the final confirmation procedure remains."

The government is expected to announce such a plan as early as the 23rd.

Many in the industry have said that PCR tests are a factor hindering the recovery of overseas travel demand. For overseas travelers, those who have completed vaccination must undergo tests three times: pre-departure PCR, day 1 PCR, and rapid antigen test on days 6 to 7. They must take a PCR test locally overseas within 48 hours before entering the country and submit a negative certificate to the airline when boarding. They also had to take a PCR test at a public health center after entering the country.

This has been a financial burden. For a family of four traveling abroad, about 1 million KRW in additional costs are incurred. In Korea, including the cost of issuing an English negative certificate, it costs about 100,000 to 180,000 KRW. Because of this, the industry has argued that PCR tests should be abolished or replaced with rapid antigen tests.

Woo Ki-hong of Korean Air said at the 24th Tourism Industry Committee hosted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the 3rd, "Europe, the United States, and Southeast Asia have expanded international air routes to about 90% of pre-COVID levels, but Korea is only at 10%. To enter Korea, one must take PCR tests costing at least 200 USD (about 253,000 KRW) per person at least twice."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.